Quinoa-Crusted Eggplant Parm

DOMESTIC diva in the hOuSsSsEeE! This recipe is a keeper for-really.

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After a spontaneous decision to go kayaking with Chadster, home girl was ready to EAT.

I put a lil’ spin on the traditional eggplant parmesan and used quinoa as the breading. The quinoa was definitely different but a GOOD different– the way it crisped to perfection blew Panko out of the water. Seriously though…. you’ve got to try.

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Quinoa is a fairly new addition to my diet. Throw it back 2 years and I wouldn’t have known what this “KEEN-WAH” was. I feel like it’s some type of trendy food fad that all the cool kids are eating right now. IDK… Regardless, quinoa has a bunch of awesome health benefits that make it worth incorporating into your diet >>>>

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Let’s dive into the how-tos:

>> Prep work: cut eggplant into 1/2 inch rounds, mince garlic, chop parsley, julienne basil for garnish, beat eggs, slice 8 oz. mozz cheese.

>> Preheat oven to 400 deg.

>> Bring quinoa & water to a boil, lower the heat, & cook for about 10 mins. Cover & simmer on low for another 5-7. Water should be fully absorbed at this point.

>> Stir in garlic, parsley, S&P, and parmesan cheese.

>>Dredge eggplant rounds in flour then dip into eggs.

>>Dip rounds into quinoa mixture. You may have to get dirty and pat the quinoa on so it sticks. Set aside.

>>Heat olive oil in skillets. I needed 3 skillets.

>>While waiting, pour enough marinara to cover the bottom of a baking dish (I always use Rao’s)

>> Brown both sides of the quinoa-breaded eggplants then place on top of the marinara sauce.

>> Add the mozzarella slices on top of each round.

>> Bake 10 mins or until cheese is melted & sauce is bubbling.

>> Garnish with basil.

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I promise you’ll love.

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